EBNI

Background Information

Geotechnical engineering is fundamental to multi-residential developments, focusing on the interaction between structures and subsurface conditions, including soil, rock, and groundwater. It encompasses comprehensive assessments of ground strength and composition, recommendations for appropriate foundation types and bearing capacities, evaluations of potential ground movement or settlement, and the design of retaining systems and excavation supports throughout all project phases. Effective groundwater management is crucial, as fluctuations in groundwater levels can significantly impact soil stability and bearing capacity, potentially leading to structural issues if not properly addressed . At EBNI, we ensure that our geotechnical solutions contribute to the safe and cost-effective construction of structures, mitigating the risks of structural failure, differential settlement, and long-term maintenance challenges.

Pad Footings: Load Distribution

Upon the finalisation of the building's structural design, the point dead and live loads from each column are conveyed through concrete pads that eccentrically distribute the pressure across a broader area of soil. This mitigates localised subsidence and guarantees that the loads are transmitted securely into the earth. This solution presents a prudent financial choice, particularly suited for sites characterised by robust yet shallow soils, thereby mitigating the potential for excessive settlements. Within the following link, you shall discover one of our exemplary pad footing designs.

Basement Wall Foundation

Continuous or secant pile walls encircling the basement perimeter before excavation are critically important. The piles fulfil a dual role, acting as both deep foundations and as either temporary or permanent retaining walls throughout the excavation process. Regarding excavation, it is essential that structural retaining walls are reinforced and shotcreted to withstand all ground load situations adequately. Diaphragm walls can also be utilised efficiently. Sheet piling may be crucial for efficient water management. In urban settings with constrained space or significant danger of wall failure due to excavation depth and soil pressure, when anchors cannot be used as well because of property restrictions, we implement internal hydraulic bracing systems as a feasible alternative. These temporary supports are used to reinforce excavation walls and guarantee the secure distribution of loads over the excavation site.